Lewis University reaches 10 years of record-breaking enrollment

Published: September 10, 2012.

As classes began this fall at Lewis University, it reached 10 years of record-breaking enrollment. More than 6,500 students are attending classes on campuses in Romeoville, Albuquerque, Chicago, Hickory Hills, Oak Brook, Shorewood and Tinley Park as well as online. Enrollment has increased by more than 2,100 students in the last decade.

“We are blessed in having many intelligent and inventive persons throughout the University, ready to support our mission of providing our diverse student population with a balanced blend of liberal learning and professional education. We begin our 81st year as an institution of considerable accomplishment, service and promotion of student success,” commented Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President of Lewis University. In recent months, the University has been named a College of Distinction, honored as a Best in the Midwest College by The Princeton Review, and recognized in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to national recognitions, numerous new partnerships and academic initiatives attract students of diverse circumstances to Lewis University. A new agreement with College of DuPage offers students a competitively priced, streamlined opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal/Social Justice, Fire Service Administration or Education from Lewis University in four years. Another agreement with Rush University in Chicago provides an opportunity for Lewis University Biology students to shorten their length of time to earn a Biology bachelor’s degree and a Clinical Specialty master’s degree.

To accommodate for the decade of steady growth, Lewis University is continuously improving its learning environment for the students. Classes began this fall in a new Mathematics and Computer Science Complex, featuring four state-of-the-art computer labs, faculty offices and student gathering spaces. Construction is advancing rapidly on the redesign, renovation, and expansion of the Oremus Fine Arts Center. First year resident students are enjoying the recently completed Sheil Hall, a LEED certified residence hall. Other ongoing projects include additional classrooms for the new Humanities Commons, renovations of St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center and the move of the University’s Oak Brook Campus to a new and larger site in the same village.

Changes are happening, but Lewis University remains dedicated to its mission as a Catholic institution in the Lasallian tradition. The 2012-2013 academic year began with 19 Christian Brothers engaged in ministry that continues the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of educators. Lay persons also are taking a greater role in the Lasallian mission through numerous formation and leadership opportunities. This summer, Steven Zlatic was named Director of University Ministry. He is the first lay person to hold the position in the University’s history.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

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